Why Go to Montego Bay
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Montego Bay is Jamaica's tourism capital and the island's main gateway, with white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water and lush green hills rising behind the coast. It's where most visitors arrive, and it offers everything from big all-inclusive resorts to lively nightlife and island adventures.
Shop, dine and soak up the scene along the Hip Strip, and swim at Doctor's Cave Beach, a local favorite with famously clear water. Glide down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, tour the legendary Rose Hall Great House, known for its tales of the White Witch, and snorkel the reefs of the Montego Bay Marine Park. Golfers will find several excellent courses, and Dunn's River Falls and Negril are reachable on day trips.
Nonstop flights reach Sangster International Airport from many U.S. cities, and Montego Bay is a popular cruise stop. On the way in, look for the coral reefs along the coast. I'll match you with the right resort for your style, from family-friendly to adults-only, and plan the excursions worth leaving the beach for.
BEST FOR
First-time Jamaica visitors, families, couples, golfers and cruise travelers
BEST MONTHS
November to April
EXPLORE
- Hip Strip: Gloucester Avenue's beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife.
- Downtown: The historic center around Sam Sharpe Square and the craft market.
- Rose Hall: East of the airport, with large resorts, golf and the great house.
- Hopewell & Round Hill: Quiet luxury west of the city.
- Falmouth: A Georgian town and cruise port about 40 minutes east.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Montego Bay
North America › Greater Antilles › Jamaica › Saint James
Great houses, glowing lagoons and Jamaica's liveliest beach strip.
Island Getaway
Caribbean
Golf
Luxury
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book a Luminous Lagoon tour on a moonless night; the darker the sky, the brighter the glowing water when you swim.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive early on cruise days to claim a lounger.
Doctor's Cave Beach
MoBay's most famous beach has soft sand, clear, calm water and a clubhouse with loungers, showers and a beach bar.
Come back after dark when the music starts and the bars fill up.
The Hip Strip
Gloucester Avenue runs along the waterfront with beach clubs, restaurants, craft shops and the city's liveliest nightlife.
Take the evening tour if you enjoy a spooky story.
Rose Hall Great House
A restored 18th-century plantation mansion with sweeping views, famous for its legend of the 'White Witch of Rose Hall.'
It's quieter than Rose Hall and a favorite of history lovers.
Greenwood Great House
Once owned by the Barrett family, this hilltop house holds a remarkable collection of antiques, rare instruments and original furnishings.
Ask your raft captain to stop at a calm spot for a swim.
Martha Brae Rafting
Glide down the Martha Brae River on a 30-foot bamboo raft poled by a local guide, through quiet, jungle-lined bends.
A legendary resort spread over a private crescent beach, with cottages, villas, a beautiful spa, golf and tennis.
Half Moon
Rose Hall
Beach · Family
An elegant, classic Jamaican retreat with Ralph Lauren-designed rooms, private villas and a calm, sheltered beach.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Hopewell, west of MoBay
Beach
A family-friendly all-inclusive with pools, a lazy river, kids' club and plenty of dining options on a long beach.
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
Rose Hall
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
The original Sandals resort, an all-inclusive for couples on one of the area's largest private beaches.
Sandals Montego Bay
Near the airport
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A stylish, modern hotel next to Doctor's Cave Beach with a rooftop bar, infinity pool and the Hip Strip at your door.
S Hotel Jamaica
Hip Strip / Doctor's Cave Beach
Boutique · City · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive on a private peninsula with ocean views and a full spa.
Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Freeport / Montego Bay
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An all-inclusive with a lazy river, waterslides and a historic great house nearby, ideal for families.
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Rose Hall
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A modern all-inclusive with a water park, swim-up suites and plenty of family activities.
Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Trelawny / east of Montego Bay
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive on a quiet beach, a good-value option for couples.
Riu Montego Bay
Mahoe Bay
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Value · Beach
A casual, budget-friendly all-inclusive with a big beach and activities for kids.
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay
Rose Hall
All-Inclusive · Family · Value · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Montego Bay
High 86°F · Low 75°F · Rain 4.2 in
Drier weather returns and the busy winter season begins.
The best time to visit Montego Bay is November through April, when the weather is warm, dry and sunny. Spring break and the winter holidays are the busiest periods. Summer brings heat, short showers and lower rates, and hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in September and October.
Best Times to Visit Montego Bay
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Montego Bay is a great place to dive into Jamaican flavors, from smoky jerk to fresh seafood and spicy patties.
- Jerk centers: Scotchies and other roadside spots smoke jerk over pimento wood, served with festival and bammy.
- On the Hip Strip: Beach clubs and casual restaurants serve seafood, cocktails and ocean views.
- Must-try: Jerk chicken, curry goat, ackee and saltfish, beef patties and a cold Ting with rum.
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Walking
The Hip Strip is walkable, but sidewalks are limited elsewhere, so use taxis between areas.
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Rental Cars
Driving is on the left and traffic can be busy. A car helps for independent day trips, but many visitors use tours instead.
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Route Taxis & Buses
Shared route taxis and Knutsford Express coaches connect MoBay with Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston.
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Licensed Taxis
Use licensed taxis with red PP plates and confirm the fare before you ride; JUTA taxis serve the airport and hotels.
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Cruise Port
Ships dock at the Montego Bay Cruise Port, a short taxi ride from the Hip Strip and downtown. Some lines also call at nearby Falmouth.
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Flying In
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is just a few minutes from the Hip Strip and about 15 to 25 minutes from Rose Hall, with nonstop flights across the U.S.
Montego Bay's airport is minutes from most hotels, making arrivals easy. Licensed taxis and pre-booked transfers are the simplest way to get around, the Hip Strip is walkable, and Knutsford Express coaches connect to the rest of the island.
Getting Around Montego Bay